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A widespread simultaneous increase of the microearthquake seismicity and minor crustal movements in and around the assumed rupture zone of the Tokai earthquake

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Abstract

Data from an extensive routine network and a high-density temporary seismic observation using the ocean bottom seismometer in and around Suruga Bay, Japan, showed that a simultaneous increase of microearthquake seismicity occurred from mid-July 1984 (Ukawa et al., 1988). The area extended over a region of about 60 km (NS) × 80 km (EW), and is nearly included in the assumed fault zone of the presumed Tokai earthquake. The analyses of the bore-hole ground tilt and volumetric strain data revealed that an anomalous small ground tilt and volumetric strain change occurred at the time of the seismic activity with a duration of about a month. Data of geodetic measurements, groundwater, and radon content were examined with the result that many observational items showed small anomalies during that period. The observed crustal movement was compared with that of slip models of the Philippine Sea plate around Suruga Bay, suggesting that some type of episodic aseismic subducting motion occurred and, thus, caused a crustal movement in the overlying continental plate in the very region of the future fault zone.

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  1. National Research Center for Disaster Prevention, Tennodai 3-1, 305, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan

    Yukio Fujinawa

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  1. Yukio Fujinawa
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Fujinawa, Y. A widespread simultaneous increase of the microearthquake seismicity and minor crustal movements in and around the assumed rupture zone of the Tokai earthquake. Nat Hazards 1, 255–276 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00137231

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00137231

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